Matthews’ agent issues apology

Gary Matthews Jr. apologized through his agent Sunday for the frenzy that has erupted over his refusal to address allegations he purchased human growth hormone.

“Gary regrets the distraction this story has caused the Angels’ front office, the manager and his staff, teammates and fans,” agent Scott Leventhal said in a statement.

“However, given the ongoing investigation, he simply cannot discuss this matter until appropriate to do so. Gary sincerely apologizes for this distraction and is determined to resolve this issue in a timely manner.”

Angels spokesman Tim Mead declined to comment.

Angels owner Arte Moreno and Matthews’ attorney, Robert Shapiro, issued statements on the matter March 3. Matthews has remained silent since then, on Shapiro’s advice, because the allegation arose from an active government investigation.

Meanwhile, in a series of media interviews, Moreno has urged Matthews to issue a public explanation and has declared the issue would be resolved by opening day. Commissioner Bud Selig strongly backed Moreno on Saturday, and General Manager Bill Stoneman and Manager Mike Scioscia also echoed Moreno last week.

The Angels have considered suspending Matthews or terminating his contract, and on that issue pitcher John Lackey deferred to Moreno. “Arte runs the show. He makes the call.”

But Lackey said he did not sense any distraction within the clubhouse and said the players were looking forward to starting the season with Matthews in center field.

“Everybody’s excited to have him,” Lackey said. “I don’t think guys are worried about it at all. It’ll blow over. We’ll play the season, and he’ll help us out.

“I feel bad for him. He’s trying to get adjusted to a new team. I know for a fact he wants this to be over and done with, and I’m sure he’s got people behind the scenes telling him not to do certain things.”

Lackey said he did not believe Moreno’s repeated public criticism of the behavior of one of his players would hamper future efforts to sign free agents.

“I know a lot of guys who want to play for the Angels,” Lackey said. “It’s tough to beat Southern California -- with our fans, the place is always sold out, and it’s a cool place to play.”

Not much relief

Of the six candidates to fill out the Angels’ bullpen, three have similarly bloated earned-run averages: Chris Resop (17.05), Phil Seibel (18.00) and Greg Jones (19.64).

Dustin Moseley, who pitched five shutout innings Sunday in a 2-0 split-squad victory over the Texas Rangers, and Chris Bootcheck, who followed Moseley with two shutout innings, might be more viable candidates. Marcus Gwyn, a seven-year minor leaguer, is in the running.

The Angels plan to carry 11 pitchers to start the season, with two bullpen vacancies if long reliever Hector Carrasco fills in for Jered Weaver in the rotation.

Anderson moving well

Left fielder Garret Anderson stole a base and made an outstanding running catch in a 7-6 loss to the Oakland A’s, indications that the back, knee and foot injuries of the last two seasons might be behind him. “This is as good as we’ve seen him in probably three years,” outfield coach Ron Roenicke said.

bill.shaikin@latimes.com